The Tampa Bay Lightning have re-signed defenseman Brian Lee to a two-year, one-way contract today, vice president and general manager Steve Yzerman announced.

Lee, 6-foot-3, 205 pounds, played in 20 games with Tampa Bay after being acquired from the Ottawa Senators on February 26 in exchange for defenseman Matt Gilroy. Following his Bolts debut on February 28 he went on to record eight assists and 17 shots on goal while averaging 17:05 in ice time. In 2011-12, with both the Tampa Bay and Ottawa, he combined for career-highs in games played with 55, assists with 15 and points with 16.

A native of Moorhead, Minnesota, Lee has played in 187 career NHL games with the Lightning and Senators. He has amassed five goals and 31 points after making his debut during the 2007-08 season. In 2008-09 he ranked sixth among all rookie defensemen in points with 13 and shots with 51. Lee also ranked ninth among first-year blue liners in average ice time with 18:53. He has played in four career Stanley Cup playoff games, all with Ottawa during the 2008 playoffs.

Lee played NCAA hockey for the University of North Dakota, appearing in 82 games in two seasons. He was named to the WCHA All-Rookie Team in 2005-06. Lee has also represented the United States at the World Junior Championships on two occasions, playing in a total of 14 games.

Lee was drafted by the Senators in the first round, ninth overall, of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.